Launching on World Mental Health Awareness Day, the partnership aims to address the urgent need for LGBTQIA+ youth mental health support
NEW YORK — October 10, 11:10 a.m. ET — ShareWell, the first peer support platform connecting people through shared life experiences, announced a new partnership with Active Minds, the nation’s leading nonprofit empowering youth to change the culture around mental health.
Launching on World Mental Health Awareness Day and during LGBTQ History Month, ShareWell will donate one year of peer support to 100 LGBTQIA+ young adults in the Active Minds network. This campaign marks the start of a larger initiative to reach 1,000 LGBTQIA+ youth who need affordable, ongoing mental health support.
Why LGBTQIA+ Youth Need More Mental Health Support
LGBTQIA+ youth face a much higher risk of mental health challenges than their heterosexual peers. They are twice as likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Even more troubling, 60% of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year could not access it (The Trevor Project, 2022). The ShareWell and Active Minds partnership helps fill this gap by creating an emotionally safe space where young people can connect with supportive peers.
Voices from the Partnership
“It’s more important than ever that LGBTQIA+ youth have access to the mental health support they need,” said CeCe Cheng, founder and CEO of ShareWell. “We are honored to partner with Active Minds. Together, we can raise awareness about the lack of resources and provide a real solution. Peer support fosters community, connection, and acceptance.”
“While mental health outcomes are worsening for all young adults, the data reveal that LGBTQIA+ youth face even greater barriers,” added Laura Horne, chief program officer at Active Minds. “ShareWell’s unique approach to peer support is exactly what this community needs. Together, we aim to close the gaps in care and improve well-being.”
The Power of Peer Support
Research shows that LGBTQIA+ youth who have accepting peers experience significantly lower rates of suicide. Peer support gives young people a safe haven to share, connect, and heal.
One ShareWell member, Ash, explained:
“ShareWell is a safe haven for me to talk about things I can’t speak of in my everyday life. I take great comfort in knowing that I can join a session, be supported, and shown compassion and empathy. ShareWell was the missing puzzle piece of my healing journey.”
How the Program Works
- First 100 memberships: Donated by ShareWell to LGBTQIA+ young adults in the Active Minds community.
- Additional memberships: ShareWell will match any memberships gifted between October 10 and December 10, 2023.
- Access: Active Minds will distribute free memberships to youth in need of mental health support.
About ShareWell
ShareWell is the first peer-to-peer support platform providing an affordable and accessible solution to the mental health crisis. The company offers unlimited access to live support groups and a digital community. Unlike traditional therapy, ShareWell sessions are led by peers with shared experiences, fostering deep empathy and connection. Memberships start at less than the cost of a single therapy session.
About Active Minds
Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit changing the culture around mental health. Founded in 2003, it now has a presence in more than 1,000 schools, colleges, and communities. With a focus on equity and inclusion, Active Minds empowers young adults to create communities of support, save lives, and make mental health as valued as physical health.
For more information on the ShareWell x Active Minds partnership and ways to support LGBTQIA+ youth, visit: www.sharewellnow.com/activeminds
Media Contact
BAM for ShareWell
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